James 4: 13-16 2/11/2020*

“Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.”  Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” As it is, you boast in your arrogant schemes. All such boasting is evil.”

This verse doesn’t mean you shouldn’t make plans, but it deals with the attitude you should have when you make them.  

An impatient and arrogant heart can lead to two fatal flaws.

First – God has you where you are right now for a reason. “This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118-24) -. Too often we allow our plans for tomorrow, to cause us to miss our purpose for today.

Be where you are …You have divine appointments today so open your eyes – It is possible to miss the reason you’re here - when you are always headed somewhere else…Seek His Will today - deal with tomorrow, tomorrow.

Secondly – Pride is misleading…. It is absurd for us to think we can predict the future. We don’t control tomorrow, and thinking we do is prideful…  and scripture says that is the emotion that appears right before destruction. (Prov. 16:18)

Proverbs also says, “A horse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory is of the LORD.”  - So, make plans…Do everything you can to “prepare your horse for battle”…but in your heart, understand that God is in control.

Great planners have great humility. They understand their limitations and constantly seek the wisdom and direction of the Lord. Adjusting for His Will, not their egos.

If you don’t do this, your “great plans” are just arrogant schemes…Be sure that when you make plans you seek God’s blueprint?…not your desires. This life is a mist, and if your focus is on temporary vanity, your plans will vanish as your life will…Be single minded and make sure that eternity is your focus.

Determine to not waste today planning for tomorrow. And when you do make plans, seek your Father, so you can move forward with certainty based on His all-knowing plan…not your uninformed schemes.

“When your will is God's will, you will have your will.”
- Charles Spurgeon